Following up on their last performance at our festival fest three years ago, we were happy to welcome back the lyrically literate indie rock troupe, The Hold Steady who finished off the first day of XPoNential Fest with an exceptional performance. Having releasing three studio albums since 2004, they played an abundance of tunes from all, including “The Swish,” and ended the evening with “Stay Positive”. Lead singer, Craig Finn speaks like a storyteller in the midst of rock ‘n roll riffs and rebellious tribulations. Check out the photo gallery above and the set list below. Continue reading →

Expressionistic, explosive guitarist Lee Ranaldo was a founding member of avant-garde alternative rock band Sonic Youth, and remains an adventurous songwriter in his own right. During a Saturday afternoon set on the Marina Stage at XPo Fest, Ranaldo and his four-piece band (featuring fellow Sonic Youth alumnus Steve Shelley on drums) delivered the musical wizardy and pop hooks showcased on his recent solo album, Between the Time and the Tides. Ranaldo played his guitar with a violin bow, broke a few strings, and serenaded the crowd with warm, reflective anthems like “Off The Wall” and “Waiting on a Dream.” Check out a photo gallery above, and see the setlist below. You can listen to his performance in its entirety here (via the WXPN media player). Continue reading →

Former frontman of the indie rock band Elefant, Diego Garcia turned his sensitive side to the Sunday afternoon crowd at this year’s XPoNential Music Festival, serenading them with selections from his 2011 album Laura. Check out a photo gallery above, and see the setlist below. You can listen to his performance in its entirety here (via the WXPN media player). Continue reading →

Finishing off the last day of XPO Fest at Wiggins Park was Rhett Miller (former lead singer of the Old 97’s) and his band The Serial Lady Killers. They played songs from Miller’s latest album, The Believer – including singalong opener “Lost Without You” – as well as selections from Miller’s back-catalogue (“This Is What I Do” from 2003’s The Instigator), even reaching back to his time with Old 97s for “Rollerskate Skinny,” “19” and “Barrier Reef.” Check out photos above, and the setlist below. You can listen to his performance in its entirety here (via the WXPN media player). Continue reading →

Bringing the 2012 XPoNential Music Festival to a close was an exciting lineup of American rock music at the Susquehanna Bank Center. Counting Crows and Delta Spirit played in the amphitheater, while their companions on the Outlaw Road Show tour – emerging artists We Are Augustines, Kasey Anderson and Field Report – delivered punchy and enthusiastically-received sets on The Key Stage. Check out a photo gallery of the two headliners above.

Lots of fan videos of this year’s XPoNential Music Festival are showing up on the interwebs today; check out this one from Youtube user Gigspots1 who caught Dawes at the festival on Friday night. You can see lots of songs from Dawes’ set here, however check out “Fire Away” below.

Photo of Toby and Scott of Dr. Dog by Joe Del Tufo
Here’s a video from Youtube user Philly Rocky of Dr. Dog performing “Lonesome” from their appearance at the Susquehanna Bank Center on Saturday night as part of this year’s XPoNential Music Festival.

Photo of Jeff Tweedy by Joe Del Tufo
Thanks to Youtube user Philly Rocky for capturing Wilco’s performance of “Impossible Germany” from their appaearance at the Susquehanna Bank Center on Saturday night as part of this year’s XPoNential Music Festival. The set list from the show is below the video.

Canadian singer/songwriter Kathleen Edwards concluded the festivities yesterday at Wiggins Park before the show moved over to the Susquehanna Bank Center for triple header Dr. Dog, The Avett Brothers, and Wilco. Edwards sang sultry and melodious tunes from her album, Voyageur, delicately swooning the crowd so, that someone in the audience gave her a bouquet of flowers. This pop rock gal is steadily becoming a sensation, be sure to watch out for her in the upcoming future. And check out the photo gallery of her set above and the setlist below. Listen to her whole performance here (via the WXPN media player). Continue reading →

This afternoon, the smooth rockin’, doo-woppy dude on the road from Oklahoma, J.D. McPherson, played on the Marina Stage with his American rock ‘n roll band. His smooth beats and slicked back hair caused a ruckus, forcing the audience to boogie down. Along the hill, people were standing up, clapping hands, and doin’ the twist. His music is reminiscent to something heard on the radio in your 1950’s cadillac. He also played his hit single “North Side Gal” and everybody sang along; what a great, rock heavy show it was. Check out the photo gallery above and the set list below for more coverage. Also listen to the entire performance here (via the WXPN media player). Continue reading →

About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH

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About The Key

Philadelphia: Home to a rich musical history, a unique musical identity, and one of the nation's most thriving musical communities. In a scene filled with so many local bands worth listening to, there will always be new music to discover—and The Key is your source for finding it. Brought to you by WXPN—the non-commercial public radio station that World Cafe, XPN2, and XPoNential Music Festival call home—The Key covers all local music in Greater Philly and beyond.GET IN TOUCH